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Amazon.co.uk Review
One hopes that at the annual HBO characters Christmas party, Larry Sanders, Carrie Bradshaw, and Tony Soprano make a point to raise a toast to Martin Tupper, the hapless hero of Dream On. This groundbreaking 1990 sitcom from future Friends creators David Crane and Marta Kaufman ushered in a bold new era of original cable programming not bound by broadcast network content restrictions. Hence, the profanity and nudity (you didn't see that on Knott's Landing!), which distinguished the series and helped put HBO on the pop culture map. Brian Benben stars as Martin, a New York book editor still reeling from the breakup of his marriage. The show's gimmick is that baby boomer Martin, a member of the first television generation, flashes on vintage TV clips that express his innermost feelings and desires. When his wife, Judith (Wendie Malick), visits Martin in "The First Episode," he fantasises reconciliation, but she wants him to sign the divorce papers so she can remarry. The scene is punctuated by clips (from an old Twilight Zone episode, perhaps?) in which boxer Lee Marvin is pummeled in the ring and knocked out. But the clips and the language and the sex would get old fast if we didn't like the characters.
Benben has the Everyman charm of a young George Segal, and he wears his anxiety to hilarious effect. He is devoted to his young teenage son, and still loves Judith, who is marrying a paragon, never seen, but described at one point as a "Ghandi for our times." His dating relationships spectacularly crash and burn (cue clip of disabled aircraft). In one episode, he comes undone when he discovers his new lover was a porn star. At the office, he is at the mercy of his caustic secretary (Denny Dillon). Dream On is of more than prurient interest. This was one of those lightning-in-a-bottle series blessed with a fresh vision, a seamless ensemble, and smart writing. To finally have it on DVD is a Dream come true. --Donald Liebenson
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
I remember this fondly from when it was originally shown in the UK. Following on from Taxi, Cheers, Roseanne, Cybill and others I thought what's this latest US offering about? It was different from the beginning. Directed by John Landis? Hang on, isn't he a film director? That got my attention early on. The opening credits were beautifully done and even on dvd I watch them every time, instead of taking the easy fast forward, from then on I'm engaged.
It's still one of the most original and intelligent comedies every made, and the occasional topless scene was never a problem. Ok then, this if for adults. It's seen from a male perspective anyway, like a pre Sex In The City from the men's side of things, but again that's fine by me.
The characters are interesting, and mostly sympathetic, though there are some villians, and the old b&w clips compliment the storylines and jokes with great punchlines.
I love it. Please get the remaining series out on dvd soonish, please?
It's still one of the most original and intelligent comedies every made, and the occasional topless scene was never a problem. Ok then, this if for adults. It's seen from a male perspective anyway, like a pre Sex In The City from the men's side of things, but again that's fine by me.
The characters are interesting, and mostly sympathetic, though there are some villians, and the old b&w clips compliment the storylines and jokes with great punchlines.
I love it. Please get the remaining series out on dvd soonish, please?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
This is television at its best, winning 11 awards in its time. As one might expect, British television only aired it so late that the following here was minimal. Have the UK networks made a valid estimate of their audiences ? Are they really interested only in the trash that is fed to them seven nights a week ? It would be nice if we could have some quality comedy for adult viewers. The freeview digital channels provide endless repeats of 'Friends' but never 'Seinfeld' or 'Dream On'. We can't wait for Season 3 to become available !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Started watching this and it immediately brought back memories from my earlier years. I had only caught one or two episodes when it was aired on TV all those years ago and found it entertaining back then but could never remember what time or channel it was on?
Two of my friends used to say the show was hilarious and one friend had even taped a video of an episode and played back some of the bits to try and get me to become a fan of the show!!
I have watched this whole series, found it hugely entertaining and it doesn't feel at all dated. Highly recommended.
Two of my friends used to say the show was hilarious and one friend had even taped a video of an episode and played back some of the bits to try and get me to become a fan of the show!!
I have watched this whole series, found it hugely entertaining and it doesn't feel at all dated. Highly recommended.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
a comedy that many may not know
having enjoyed this series when it was shown over here , i thought i`ll treat myself to the two series that are available here , i enjoyed it the first time round and i`m enjoying... Read more
Published 1 month ago by John R. Gidley
SEASONS 3 - 6: When will they be released?!
The best comedy series from HBO in my opinion: funny, inventive (in its use of film clips), adult (raunchy, but not crude) and, in Brian Benben's portrayal of the hapless Martin... Read more
Published 21 months ago by spartacuss
Dream On 2
I am Martin Tupper,
though without the sex life!
You cannot fail to like and empathise with Martin,
The unique reflections on his previous experiences
probably... Read more
though without the sex life!
You cannot fail to like and empathise with Martin,
The unique reflections on his previous experiences
probably... Read more
Published on 23 Aug 2008 by Ezlington
On dvd at last!
I know this hasn't come out yet but this is definately a 5 star dvd! Hopefully many people will buy this so they bring out seasons 3-6. Read more
Published on 26 Mar 2008 by Bobby Drake
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